This course has the potential to change lives. Evidence based, written by ACS content writers with knowledge and skills in genetics, human health, nutrition and psychology; the course brings together specialist knowledge across eight lessons.
Lesson Aims:
Describe the nature of the human gut microbiome and its overall effect on the body.
Describe how genetics influence the gut microbiome and how the use of metagenomics and metabolomics has enhanced our understanding of its functioning.
Distinguish influencing factors on microbial colonies, which produce good or bad outcomes on human health.
Explain how the gut can be managed to achieve good health, thus avoiding dysbiosis.
Distinguish common diseases of the GI tract, the role of immunity in fighting gastrointestinal disease and advances in microbiome treatments of disease.
Explain the effect diet and nutrition has on the gut microbiome.
Explain the gut-brain axis and how it affects our mood, behaviour, and mental health.
Analyse and combine theory with functional strategies to enhance microbiome diversity and abundance.
The lessons include:
Lesson 1: Scope and Nature of the Human Gut Microbiome
Introduction - What is the microbiome?
The Gastrointestinal Tract
Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine
How the Gut Microbiome is Established (Birth and Breastfeeding)
Maintaining the Gut Microbiome as Adults
Diet and Nutrition
Lifestyle and Other Factors
The Gut Microbiome Effect
Contribution to Metabolic Function
Protect Against Pathogens
Educating the Immune System
Gut Microbe Disruption and Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis
Lesson 2: Genetics, Metagenomics and Metabolomics
Bioinformatics
Microbiome Heritability
Health Hereditary
Metabolomics
Technologies
Bacteria Metabolism
Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Organic Acids
Vitamins
DNA Sequencing Technologies
Next Generation Sequencing
Applications of PCR and DNA Sequencing
Metagenomics
Samples and Sampling Techniques and Considerations
The Human Microbiome Project
Bacterial Genomic Contribution to Human Survival
Lesson 3: Diversity and Characteristics of Biota
Introduction
A fine balance - beneficial and detrimental biota
Prebiotics
Probiotics
Natural Probiotics
Probiotic Supplements
Synbiotics
Understanding Microbe Classification
Types of Bacteria
Major Bacterial Phylum Present in the Gut
Actinobacteria
Bacteroidetes
Firmicutes
Proteobacteria
Bad Biota
Nurturing a Healthy Gut
Diet and Antibiotics Typical Reponses
Lesson 4: Maintaining the Gut Environment
Introduction
Anatomy Overview
Stomach
Small Intestine Environment
Large Intestine Environment
Managing the Large Intestine
Diarrhea
Digestion
Microbiome & Hormones
Microbiome and Allergies
Microbe Imbalance
Gut Dysbiosis
Inflammation - Function and Process
Biosensors
Gut Health Treatment
Probiotics and Other Supplements
Nutrition-based Interventions
Lifestyle Practices including Stress
Faecal Microbiota Transplant
Lesson 5: Diseases and Immunity
Introduction
Immunity
Types of Resistance
Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells
The Inflammatory Response
Nausea and Vomiting
Digestive Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Diverticulitis
Polyps
Future Research
Fungi and Bacteriophages - Treatment in Disease
Beyond Traditional Probiotics
Lesson 6: Managing Diet and Nutrition
Homeostasis and Microbiota
How Nutrition affects Homeostasis
Function Foods and Gut Health
Fermented Foods
Prebiotic Foods
Probiotics
Plant Foods
Polyphenols
Fibre
Dairy Produce
The Importance of Water
Water Absorption
Practical Ways to Improve the Gut
Supplements
Gut Transit Time
Coeliac Disease
Intermittent Fasting & Microbial Activity
Lesson 7: The Gut-Brain-Axis
What Are Pyschobiotics?
Probiotics
The Interaction Between the Mind and Body
The Gut-Brain Axis
Animal Research on Psychobiotics
Neurotransmitters
Tryptophan and Serotonin
GABA
Stress Hormones
Human Research on Psychobiotics
Findings on Depression and Anxiety
Pyschobiotics and Other Mental Health Conditions
Issues with Pyschobiotic Research
The Future of Psychobiotics
Lesson 8: Applications of Gut Microbiome Management
Cultivate and Grow the Gut Microbiome
Pre-Schoolers and Young Children
Behaviour and Temperament
Sleep Disturbance
Cognition and Learning
Teenagers and Young Adults
Endocrine system support supporting hormonal changes
Immunity
Adults
Autoimmune (conditions)
Stress
Arthritis & Pain Management
Grief and Emotional Disturbances
Eating to Improve Microbiota
Other Strategies to Enhance Microbiota
A potentially challenging course which demands commitment and dedication to learning.
- Students will be inspired to make changes in dietary management and lifestyle.
- Students will cover the complexities of the microbiome in a easy to follow carefully constructed lesson materials.
- Students will be inspired to take their reading and research beyond the course materials.
It's never too late to take charge of your physical and mental wellbeing, start today, you won't regret it.
This course complements: wellness coaching, therapeutic nutrition, stress management, human biology and more!